NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index Available

NAFCD has partnered with a leading research firm to provide you with the NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index. The report is based on member data submission and provides valuable benchmarking and forecasting data. You can compare the results of your company with key trends identified by your fellow NAFCD members.

This data and analysis is available exclusively to NAFCD members. View the first report here.

Your input will be requested for the second report which will be available in October and presented at the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention during Mark Herbek's session, Trends in the Building Product Supply Chain. With your participation in the Quarterly Executive Trends Index survey, a larger amount of data can be aggregated for better comparison and analysis.

In addition to the Quarterly Executive Trends Index, NAFCD's new partnership provides you with access to research on home centers, residential construction, non-residential construction, industrial distribution and other related topics. These industry updates and insights will be provided monthly and are available in the Members Only section of the website, username and password required.

2013 Performance Index Survey Deadline Extended to August 26!

The best source of financial benchmarks for the industry is the NAFCD Performance Index. This report presents a wealth of financial and operating guidelines. In addition, it provides direct comparisons between your firm and other participating firms. This valuable information is, however, only available to firms that participate in the study.

To participate in this survey, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please mail the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group with a copy of your income statement and balance sheet by August 26, 2013.

NAFCD Announces New Alliance Partner

Trinity Logistics is a leading privately-owned 3PL offering truckload, LTL, intermodal, international, and specialty freight arrangement, as well as logistics consulting, technology, and freight management services.

Their devotion to service, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to honesty and ethics set them apart in the industry. With so many 3PLs to choose from, count on their 35 years of experience and our solutions-driven team. They have over 200 team members in over 90 locations across the country. Trinity is consistently ranked in the top 25 providers of our kind in the nation by Transport Topics magazine, providing freight solutions on a global scale. With their corporate headquarters in Seaford, Delaware, multiple regional service centers, and over 90 agent offices throughout North America, they are positioned to provide a solution for any of your logistics needs, no matter how extensive, with the best customer service you'll see in the industry.

For more information, visit www.trinitylogistics.com.

Don't Forget These Key Dates!

August 15, 2013 - 2013 Performance Index Benchmarking Report
Don't miss your chance to receive a complimentary summary of the results valued at $495! To participate in this survey, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Only participating companies will receive a complimentary report. See our website for more information.

September 6, 2013 - Call to Action Due
Last day to submit nominations for the 2013-2014 NAFCD Board of Directors, as well as the 2013 NAFCD Leadership in Action and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Submission forms can be found here.

September 10, 2013 - Last Chance for Early Bird Registration for DMU and 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention
Don't wait to register at discounted rates for both the Distribution Management University and the 2013 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention in Chicago, IL. Click here to register for both events.

October 22, 2013 - Housing Deadline for NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention
The housing cut-off date at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers is October 22, 2013. Reservations and rates cannot be guaranteed after this date. Make your reservation today!

The Howl Newsletter

To be successful, you must excel in leadership, management, strategy, and sales effectiveness--and "The Howl" will help you. You'll learn about the industry, trends, challenges and how to more effectively grow your company. Topics, articles, subscriber comments and Rick's personal tips can help you gain more commitment and discretionary energy from everyone in your company.

This month's issue of The Howl contains:

1. Accountability ---- REALLY?
2. Don't Let Your Smile Run Away From Your Face
3. Guest Article --- Professor lan Limer - Where Does Carbon Dioxide Come From?
4. Branch Planning --- Taking it to the Next Level

Click here to download the free newsletter.

NAFCD Quarterly Executive Trends Index Deadline Approaching!

The deadline to submit your brief quarterly online survey is July 19!

Don't miss your chance to participate in the Quarterly Executive Trends Index and gain valuable benchmarking data in identifying key trends in the industry including sales growth for the industry, inventory levels, and changes in operating costs. All survey responses are anonymous and confidential.

The full survey results will be sent back to members in late July and will provide you and your organization with actionable information you can put to use in your business month to month.

Contact info@nafcd.org for more information, or if you did not receive your invitation to participate email.

2013 NAFCD Profit Index Report

NAFCD is pleased to present a new and improved version of the very popular Performance Index Benchmarking Report now open for your participation. As a participant in this survey, you will you receive a copy of:

• Industry Chart Book Report - A financial and operating profile of the entire industry
• Personalize Profit Improvement Profile. - A confidential report sent directly to you comparing your firm with similar participating firms. Many firms take this report to the bank to discuss loans, lines of credit and plan for the future.
• Profit Toolkit Online - A Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet to assist your financial planning. Access instructions are included with your profit improvement profile.

To participate in this survey, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please mail the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group with a copy of your income statement and balance sheet by August 15, 2013.

New & Improved - Performance Index Benchmarking

Now it's even easier to participate!

In our continuing efforts to deliver the value our members expect from their industry organization, NAFCD is pleased to present a new and improved version of the very popular Performance Index Benchmarking Report. Thanks to those members that have taken the time to provide feedback to improve this popular tool.

We are pleased to highlight the following improvements:

• Clarification and further definition to support key areas of the survey
• Modification of survey questions to better reflect changes that have taken place within the industry.
• The Profit Planning Group will now complete the financial sections of the survey if you simply submit a copy of your company's financial statements along with the survey.
• The Profit Planning Group will also host a webinar to discuss the final report. This will provide participants another opportunity to interact with Dr. Bates, gain a better understanding of specific areas of the report, and learn how to better interpret the data. You must participate in the survey to be invited to attend the webinar and/or view the recorded version.

While we begin to witness recovery, financial benchmarking information is more important than ever before. This report presents a wealth of financial and operating guidelines. In addition, it provides direct comparisons between your firm and other participating firms. This valuable information is, however, only available to firms that participate in the study.

As a participant in the survey, you will receive a copy of the:

• Industry Chart Book Report - A financial and operating profile of the entire industry
• Personalize Profit Improvement Profile. - A confidential report sent directly to you comparing your firm with similar participating firms. Many firms take this report to the bank to discuss loans, lines of credit and plan for the future.
• Profit Toolkit Online - A Microsoft® Excel spreadsheet to assist your financial planning. Access instructions are included with your profit improvement profile.

To participate in this survey, please click here (Excel) or here (PDF) for a copy of the survey. Once you download the survey, please mail the completed survey to The Profit Planning Group with a copy of your income statement and balance sheet.

Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Remit your survey by August 15, 2013.